Deafness or hearing loss & ICT Smart Supports

Please note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Every individual has unique needs and should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding their health and wellness. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.


Google Max is a smart speaker that has a feature called the "Display" which can be used to display visual information. This feature can be used to support hands-free sign language communication for individuals with deafness or hearing loss.


Google Max is a smart speaker that has a feature called the "Display" which can be used to display visual information. This feature can be useful in a number of ways, including displaying important information such as the weather, calendar events, news updates, and telehealth information.


One of the key benefits of using Google Max with the Display feature is that it provides a simple and convenient interface for accessing and viewing this information. For example, you can ask Google Max to show you the weather forecast or your upcoming calendar events simply by speaking to it, and the information will be displayed on the screen. This can be especially useful for individuals who have difficulty accessing or reading the information in other ways, such as those with visual impairments or mobility challenges.


In addition to displaying information, the Display feature on Google Max can also be used to interact with certain apps and services. For example, you can use the Display to view and control music and video playback or to access other online content such as recipes or news articles.


Overall, the Display feature on Google Max can be a useful tool for accessing and displaying important information and for interacting with various apps and services in a simple and convenient manner to match people who have a low amount of computer skills. 



To use the Display feature for sign language communication, you will need to have a device with Google Max and a compatible video calling app, such as Google Duo or Google Meet.

Here are the steps to use the Display feature for sign language communication:

  1. Set up your Google Max device and make sure it is connected to the internet.

  2. Open a compatible video calling app on your device, such as Google Duo or Google Meet.

  3. Make a video call to the person you want to communicate with using sign language.

  4. Once the call is connected, the video feed from the other person will be displayed on the Google Max Display.

  5. You can then use sign language to communicate with the other person through the Display.


It is important to note that the Display feature on Google Max is not specifically designed for sign language communication. However, it can be a useful tool for individuals with deafness or hearing loss to communicate with others in a hands-free manner.


There are several challenges that individuals with deafness or hearing loss may face when using one-handed sign language:

  1. Limited range of expression: One-handed sign language typically has a more limited range of expression compared to two-handed sign languages, such as American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL). This can make it more difficult for individuals with deafness or hearing loss to convey their thoughts and ideas accurately and fully.

  2. Reduced clarity: One-handed sign language can also be less clear than two-handed sign languages, as certain signs may be harder to distinguish from one another. This can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

  3. Difficulty in understanding others: It can also be more challenging for individuals with deafness or hearing loss to understand others who are using one-handed sign language, as the signs may be less distinct and easier to confuse.

  4. Limited use in the deaf community: One-handed sign language is not as widely used or accepted within the deaf community as two-handed sign languages. As a result, individuals with deafness or hearing loss who use one-handed sign language may have more difficulty communicating with others who use a different sign language.


It is important to note that these challenges may vary depending on the individual and their specific needs and abilities. Some individuals with deafness or hearing loss may find one-handed sign language to be a useful and effective way of communicating, while others may prefer to use a different sign language or an alternative method of communication.


Using a phone one-handed can present several challenges for individuals with deafness or hearing loss, especially if they rely on sign language to communicate. Some of the challenges that may arise when using a phone one-handed for sign language communication include:


  1. Limited range of motion: Using a phone one-handed can limit the range of motion that is available for signing, which can make it more difficult to convey certain signs and ideas.

  2. Difficulty in maintaining eye contact: Maintaining eye contact is an important part of effective communication, and this can be difficult when using a phone one-handed, as it may be harder to hold the phone in a position that allows for good visibility of the other person's face.

  3. Difficulty in maintaining a stable image: It can also be difficult to hold the phone steady with one hand, which can make the image on the screen appear blurry or distorted. This can make it harder for the other person to understand the signs being made.

  4. Limited use of facial expressions: Facial expressions can play an important role in sign language communication, and using a phone one-handed may make it harder to convey these expressions effectively.

Overall, using a phone one-handed can present a number of challenges for individuals with deafness or hearing loss who rely on sign language to communicate. It may be more effective to use a device with a larger display, such as a tablet or a computer, or to use a hands-free device such as Google Max, which can allow for a more natural and effective sign language communication experience.


There are a few steps that may be required to install and set up a device or service for individuals with deafness or hearing loss to use for sign language communication:


  1. Choose a device or service: The first step is to choose a device or service that is suitable for sign language communication. This could be a device with a large display, such as a tablet or a computer, or a hands-free device such as Google Max. It may also be helpful to use a video calling app, such as Google Duo or Google Meet, to facilitate the communication.

  2. Install and set up the device or service: Once you have chosen a device or service, you will need to install and set it up according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may involve connecting the device to the internet, installing any necessary software, and setting up any required accounts or profiles.

  3. Test the device or service: It is important to test the device or service to ensure that it is working properly and that the sign language communication is clear and effective. This may involve making a test call or video chat with someone to check that the device is functioning correctly.

  4. Provide training and support: It may be helpful to provide training and support to individuals with deafness or hearing loss to help them learn how to use the device or service effectively for sign language communication. This could involve demonstrating how to use the device or service, providing written instructions or video tutorials, or offering ongoing support as needed.


Overall, the specific steps required to install and set up a device or service for sign language communication will depend on the specific device or service being used. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and to provide training and support as needed to ensure that individuals with deafness or hearing loss are able to use the device or service effectively.


An ICT (Information and Communication Technology) orchestrator is responsible for coordinating and managing the various components and systems that make up an ICT environment. In the context of sign language communication, an ICT orchestrator might consider a number of factors related to data packets and onboarding in order to make the system work effectively.


One factor that an ICT orchestrator might consider is the bandwidth and network capacity required to transmit the data packets that make up the video and audio components of a sign language communication system. Ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth and network capacity is important in order to prevent delays or disruptions in the communication.


Another factor that an ICT orchestrator might consider is the protocols and standards that are used to transmit the data packets. Different protocols and standards may have different requirements and capabilities, and the ICT orchestrator will need to ensure that the system is configured to use the appropriate protocols and standards for the intended purpose.


The ICT orchestrator may also need to consider the onboarding process for new users of the sign language communication system. This may involve setting up accounts, configuring user profiles, and providing training and support to help users get up to speed with the system.


Overall, the role of an ICT orchestrator in a sign language communication system is to ensure that all of the various components and systems are working together effectively in order to facilitate smooth and reliable communication. This may involve considering a wide range of factors related to data packets and onboarding in order to make the system function as intended.




Who can help and Why:  UXT


Using a "User Experience Therapist" (UXT) can be extremely beneficial in optimizing a smart virtual assistant, particularly in regards to onboarding and system integration.


A UXT is a professional who is trained to focus on the user's experience and how it can be improved. They are experts in human-multidevice interaction and have the knowledge and skills to ensure that the infrastructure and virtual assistant is intuitive and easy to use.


One of the main roles of a UXT is to assist with onboarding, which refers to the process of introducing a new user to the virtual assistant. This includes creating a seamless and efficient process for the user to set up the assistant and become familiar with its capabilities. A UXT can help to design an onboarding process that is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the user, ensuring that they get the most out of the virtual assistant from the start.


In addition to onboarding, a UXT can also help with system integration, which refers to the process of integrating the virtual assistant into the user's existing workflow and systems. This can be a complex process, but a UXT has the expertise to ensure that the integration is smooth and seamless, minimizing any disruption to the user's workflow.


Overall, using a UXT can greatly improve the user experience with a smart virtual assistant, leading to increased adoption and satisfaction. It is an investment worth considering for any organization looking to optimize their virtual assistant and enhance the user experience.


As a UXT, it is the professional's role to work with the participant (i.e. the user of the virtual assistant) to identify their specific needs and goals, and to design a user experience that will help them achieve those outcomes. This involves understanding the participant's current occupational workflow and systems, and finding ways to integrate the virtual assistant into those processes in a way that is intuitive and efficient.


The UXT will work closely with the participant to understand their needs and preferences, and will use this information to design a customised user experience that is tailored specifically to them. This may include creating custom onboarding materials and processes, developing training programs, and providing ongoing support and guidance to help the participant get the most out of the virtual assistant.


By working with the participant in this way, the UXT can help to ensure that the virtual assistant is effectively integrated into their workflow and systems, and that it is being used to its full potential. This can lead to a variety of outcomes for the participant, including increased productivity, efficiency, and satisfaction with the virtual assistant.


In addition to helping to optimize the user experience with a smart virtual assistant, a UXT can also assist with the selection and integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices to match the capabilities and skills of the participant.


IoT devices can greatly enhance the functionality of a virtual assistant, allowing it to interact with and control a wide range of other devices and systems. However, it is important to carefully consider which IoT devices are the most suitable for the participant's needs and capabilities. A UXT has the expertise to assess the participant's skills and requirements, and to recommend the most appropriate IoT devices to enhance the 

functionality of the virtual assistant.


Once the appropriate IoT devices have been selected, the UXT can assist with the integration of these devices into the participant's workflow and systems. This may involve configuring the devices, creating custom integrations or automations, and providing training and support to help the participant get the most out of these devices.


Overall, by working with a UXT to select and integrate IoT devices that are well-suited to the participant's capabilities and skills, it is possible to greatly enhance the functionality and value of a smart virtual assistant, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction for the participant.


Intergration of Australian Digital Government Strategy


The Australian Digital Government Strategy is a plan for the use of digital technology to improve the delivery of government services to citizens. The strategy was developed by the Australian government in 2017 and aims to make it easier for citizens to access government services and information online, and to improve the efficiency of government operations.


One important focus of our work is aspect of the Digital Government Strategy and the effort to bring National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants up to speed with online technologies. The NDIS is a government program that provides support to Australians with disability, and helping NDIS participants to use digital technologies can enable them to access a wider range of services and information, and to participate more fully in society.


ICT Orchestrating home technology can be an important way to assist NDIS participants in accessing the full range of their capabilities. By providing access to high-functioning technologies and adapting the home environment to meet the needs of the individual, it is possible to support their independence and help them to participate more fully in activities at home and in the community.


There are a variety of home technologies that can be used to assist NDIS participants, including:


  • Accommodative devices for communication and mobility, such as speech-to-text software and app powered wheelchairs

  • Environmental controls, such as smart home systems that allow individuals to control lighting, temperature, and appliances with a voice command or smartphone app

  • Health monitoring technologies, such as wearable devices that track vital signs and alert caregivers to potential issues

  • Entertainment and leisure technologies, such as streaming services and gaming systems


Orchestrating the use of these technologies in the home can help NDIS participants to live more independently and comfortably, and to access a wider range of activities and opportunities. It is important for caregivers and support workers to work closely with NDIS participants to understand their needs and preferences, and to identify the technologies that will be most beneficial in helping them to achieve their goals.


Supporting the integration with the Australian Government Digital Strategy.


The Australian Digital Government Strategy aims to improve the delivery of government services to citizens through the use of digital technologies. By bringing NDIS participants up to speed with digital technologies and supporting the orchestration of home technology, the government is helping to ensure that these individuals have access to the same range of services and information as other citizens.


For example, through the use of digital technologies, NDIS participants may be able to access government services and information online, such as applying for benefits, paying bills, and accessing educational resources. They may also be able to participate in online communities and social networks, which can help to improve their social connectedness and sense of belonging.


Overall, the integration of digital technologies into the lives of NDIS participants is an important aspect of the Australian Digital Government Strategy, and is aimed at enhancing the independence and participation of these individuals in the community.



There are a number of other digital government services that may be useful to NDIS participants in Australia:


  • Healthdirect: A website and app that allows users to check their symptoms and find a health service

  • Job Seeker JobSearch: A website and app that helps job seekers search for job openings and apply for positions

  • Keeping baby safe: A website that provides a guide to infant and nursery products

  • MedicineList+: An app that allows users to keep track of the medications they or their family members are taking, including the purpose of the medication, dosage, and frequency of use

  • MedSearch: A website and app that connects consumers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and pharmacists to trusted and current information about prescription medications in Australia

  • Money Health Check: A website that helps users assess whether their finances are under control

  • MoneySmart Cars: A website that helps users understand the real costs of buying and maintaining a car, and provides alternatives for financing a vehicle

  • MoneySmart Financial Calculator: A website and app that provides instant calculations for savings, loans, mortgages, superannuation, and interest-free deals

  • My Phone Rights: A website and app that enables consumers and small businesses to quickly resolve problems with phone or internet services

  • My QuitBuddy: A website and app that provides smoking cessation tips, tracking systems to chart progress, daily motivational messages, and reminders for those planning to quit smoking

  • National Drugs Campaign: A website that provides information about the harmful effects of drug use

  • National Relay Service: A website and app that allows deaf, hearing-impaired, or speech-impaired users to access a variety of call options, including internet relay, Speak and Listen, video relay, and web-based captioned relay

  • On Track with The Right Mix: A website and app that helps users track their alcohol consumption, including the cost and impact on well-being and fitness

  • OzHealth: A website that provides facts and figures on the health and well-being of Australians

  • Pelvic Floor First: A website and app that provides pelvic floor safe exercises to reduce the risk of bladder and bowel problems

  • PTSD Coach Australia: A website and app that helps users manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Quit for You – Quit for Two: A website and app that provides support and encouragement for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and want to quit smoking

  • Run That Town: A website and app that allows users to make decisions and develop an Australian neighborhood using real census data

  • SunSmart: A website and app that provides a 7-day weather forecast and UV level, as well as sun protection times

  • Take a Stand Together: A website and app that provides students with tips and advice for dealing with bullying situations

  • TrackMyGOALS: An app that helps users set, plan, track, and manage their savings goals

  • TrackMySPEND: An app that allows users to track their personal expenses

  • ABC News: A website and app that provides important updates

  • SAHealth: A website and app that provides QR code shopping and vaccine validation



In moreover, the Australian Digital Government Strategy aims to improve the delivery of government services to citizens through the use of digital technologies. This includes initiatives to bring National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants up to speed with digital technologies and to support the orchestration of home technology in order to enhance their independence and participation in the community. There are many digital government services available to NDIS participants in Australia, including websites and apps that provide information and support on a wide range of topics, such as health and wellness, employment, finance, and consumer rights. By leveraging these resources, NDIS participants can access a wealth of information and support to help them live more independently and fully participate in the community.



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